Switched from Flute to Tuba... shoulders

Question

Hello! I am a Flautist and I am switching to Tuba for marching band. I have carried it and marched for a day (4 hours in 105d weather), so I know what its like. It hurts. Its hot. I have bruises on my shoulders and neck. I love it. :)

Now, it may just be because I'm a girl, but it REALLY hurts. I know theres a pad I can use, but to be honest, its really kinda wussy. Now is there any way to get those shoulder muscles up; like an excercise I could do at the gym? I just wanna make it hurt a bit less.

Thank ya!

Answer 1

Excercise for toning; do pull ups where the bar goes behind yoor head.

Pain relief; Tiger balm! or icy hot if you really enjoy the burn!

Honestly, i tell my tubists to not be martyrs, use the pad in practice until they bulk up & then at least perform without the pad.

Answer 2

There are several ways to beat the pain, in time, your shoulder will grow accustomed to having the sousaphone resting on your shoulder. In the meantime, take a towel to band camp and rest it between your shoulder and the horn. This will aid in the raw shoulder feeling that you will get, and everyone that I know of has done that at one point or another. By the end of a month or so, you should be able to carry the horn without any problem whatsoever, your muscles will adapt. Good Luck!!

Answer 3

If you have an elastic exercise strap, fasten on end. Place the strap over the shoulder and facing away, pull as if pulling or dragging a load.

I am over 70 and remember the pain.